Conservation Whānau Day will be held at Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery in the Esplanade on Saturday 19 August between 10am -2pm. The event is also supported by the Department of Conservation and Rangitāne o Manawatū.

Horizons Regional Council community engagement advisor Christina Haynes says this free event will be an informative and interactive day suitable for all ages.

“The community will have the opportunity to learn more about New Zealand’s native flora and fauna with displays including information about some of our lesser known animals like bats, tuatara, lizards, and fish,” she says.

“A huge part of protecting our native biodiversity is managing introduced pest plants and animals. The theme for conservation week this year is “take action for nature”, so this event will provide opportunities to learn about how you can help make a difference in your own backyard.”

Ms Haynes says the community will be able to plant up some native seeds to take away, learn how to make ruru (morepork) boxes from representatives from Te Ao Turoa Environmental Centre and build rat trap boxes.

“DOC and Horizons have donated supplies and traps for the community to build up to 100 rat boxes to take home. We’re really excited to have the opportunity to host the event in a facility such as Wildbase which is all about helping to conserve some of our native species.”

Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery’s education and programmes officer Brittany Adams says during the session, people will be able to learn what to do if they find an injured bird or baby bird.

“We’re also looking forward to be able to share some more information about our resident birds and what makes them so special,” says Ms Adams.

“We will be offering four 30 minute tours of the facility starting from 10.30am – you can book these on the day at the front entrance.”

Educators from Horizons and Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery will also be holding a special school event on the Friday for selected schools to attend.

Find the event and its details on Eventfinda, Facebook and the DOC website.